Inquiry into Australia’s Skilled Migration Program

In March 2021, The Joint Standing Committee on Migration inquired into and made recommendations on Australia’s skilled migration program.

The inquiry found that COVID-19 has had a significant effect on Australia’s workforce. Although 94% of Australians who lost their jobs have returned to work, there are still significant skills shortages in Australia.

Over 500,000 temporary visa holders left Australia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in significant skills shortages. The Committee has heard that job vacancies in November 2020 reached their highest point in the last 10 years.

The Committee stated that Australia needs to replace the skilled migrants that left Australia as a result of the COVID-19. Without skilled migration, Australia’s economic recovery will be severely hampered.

We have put together the recommendations that will directly affect overseas skilled workers below:

Recommendation 3

The Committee recommends that the Department of Home Affairs be required to provide greater transparency on where employer sponsored visa applications are in the queue.

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends that the Department of Home Affairs conduct an urgent review of the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, with a view to expanding the number of occupations to better reflect the urgent skills shortages in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. The Department should give particular consideration to civil engineers, electrical engineers, motor mechanics, cooks, carpenters, electricians and other roles in the hospitality, health, trades, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Recommendation 8

The Committee recommends the Government reserve places on flights and in quarantine for skilled migrants.

Recommendation 9

The Committee recommends that: 

• The Department of Home Affairs improve visa processing times for employer-sponsored visas because of the labour market needs during the COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery; and
• The Department of Home Affairs expedite the processing times for skilled visa holders who have remained onshore in relevant employment seeking a subsequent skilled visa or permanent residency visa.

Recommendation 10

The Committee recommends that all employer sponsored visa holders be given a clearer pathway to permanency.

What does this mean for you?

Oversea Applicants

If the occupations mentioned above in Recommendation 6 are moved to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, this will mean people with these skills will likely receive a travel exemption to enter Australia while the borders are closed.

• If you are a Motor Mechanic, click here to apply for Australian job vacancies
• Click here to find out more about the 482 Visa
• Click here to find out more about the 186 Permanent Visa
• Click here to speak to a Registered Migration Agent

Visa holders in Australia

Recommendation 10 would give you a secure pathway to permanent residency in Australia. 

If you think you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency now, click here to take our online eligibility assessment. 

New English Language Requirement for Partner Visas

The Morrison Government has announced new requirements for partner visa applicants and their sponsors to make ‘reasonable efforts’ to learn English.

Only 13 per cent of residents with no English skills are currently working, compared to 62 per cent of residents who speak English well.

The Morrison Government also highlighted that those migrants without sufficient English language skills are particularly vulnerable to family violence and exploitation. They are also less likely to know how and where to seek advice and assistance.

The number of people in Australia with low or no English language skills has risen sharply over the past decade and has reached almost one million people, with almost half of those being within the working age range.

From late 2021, new partner visa applicants and permanent resident sponsors will be required to have functional English or demonstrate that they have made ‘reasonable efforts’ to learn English language by undertaking 500 hours of English language classes.

This English requirement will need to be met at the permanent visa approval stage, so this will affect those who have already lodged their 309 or 820 applicants if their visa is not granted before these changes are introduced.

The Morrison Government will make further announcements on these changes in the coming months

What is Functional English?

To prove that you have Functional English you can provide evidence of one of the following:

Passport
A valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country.

IELTS
An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test result of an average band score of at least 4.5 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, listening and writing.

TOEFL iBT
A Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) test result of a total band score of at least 32 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening.

PTE
A Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic test result of an overall band score of at least 30 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening.

CAE
A Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test result of an overall band score of at least 147 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening.

Schooling
• You have completed all years of primary education and at least three years of secondary education in an educational institution in or outside Australia and all instructions were in English.
• You have completed at least five years of secondary education in an institution in or outside Australia and all instructions were in English.
• You have completed at least one year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study towards a degree, higher degree, diploma, or associate diploma in an institution in Australia and all instructions were in English.
• You have completed a degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade certificate that required at least two years of full-time study or training in an institution in or outside Australia and all instructions were in English.
Improve your English score

Do you need to increase your English score before you can apply? Click here for details about short English courses for PTE.

Partner Visa Application Backlog

The Australian Government has increased the migration cap on Partner visas by over 80% this financial year to process the current backlog of applications in the system.

Are you looking to apply for a Partner Visa?

Find out more about the Partner Visa options at the links below

• Onshore Partner Visa (Applying from inside Australia)
• Offshore Partner Visa (Applying from outside Australia)
• Prospective Marriage Visa
• Speak to a Registered Migration Agent

Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List

The Department of Home Affairs has released The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL). The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List aims to support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19 by prioritising visa applications for those with critical skills.

Employer-sponsored applications with an occupation on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List will be given priority processing over all other occupations. All other applications will remain active, but the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List occupations will take priority.

This list is temporary and will be updated as Australia’s economy recovers.

Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List

The Priority 17 Occupations are: (ANZSCO code)

• Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)
• Construction Project Manager (133111)
• Mechanical Engineer (233512)
• General Practitioner (253111)
• Resident Medical Officer (253112)
• Psychiatrist (253411)
• Medical Practitioner nec (253999)
• Midwife (254111)
• Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)
• Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)
• Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)
• Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)
• Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)
• Registered Nurses nec (254499)
• Developer Programmer (261312)
• Software Engineer (261313)
• Maintenance Planner (312911)

Travel exemptions

While Australia’s borders remain closed, temporary visa holders must obtain a travel exemption before travelling to Australia. If you are overseas and would like to apply for a travel exemption, please contact us.

Visa subclasses

Priority processing of applications for Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List occupations applies to these employer-sponsored visa subclasses:

• 482 Visa (TSS) Temporary Skill Shortage
• 494 Visa (Provisional) Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 
• 186 Visa (ENS) Employer Nomination Scheme
• 187 Visa (RSMS) Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

Is your occupation not listed above?

Don’t worry. The department is still processing all occupations. Regional applications also seem to be taking priority. We have recently had a number of 187 Transitional Visa applications approved in under 2 months. If you are ready o go ahead with your next visa application, contact us today.

Australia’s top 20 most-needed occupations in 2020

Seek has released a list of Australia’s top 20 most-needed workers in 2020.

COVID-19 has brought a high level of demand for skilled workers across a number of industries. The below list ranks the most-needed occupations from 1-20.

Are you currently looking for work?

Take a look at our current vacancies and apply online here. If you don’t find a suitable vacancy there, visit seek.com.au to browse thousands of job vacancies in Australia. 

If you aren’t sure whether your occupation is eligible for a work visa of skilled migration, you can check on our Skilled Occupation List or speak to one of our migration agents directly.

Do I need to lodge a tax return in Australia?

If you meet the below criteria, you will need to lodge a tax return:

• Tax was deducted from any payments (such as wages) made to you during the financial year.
• You are an Australian resident and your taxable income was more than the tax-free threshold.
• You are a foreign resident and you earned more than $1 in Australia during the financial year.
• You are leaving Australia permanently or for more than one financial year.
• You wish to claim any tax deductions.

You don’t need to lodge a tax return if:

• You are a foreign resident and your only Australian-sourced income was interest, dividends or royalties from which non-resident withholding tax has been correctly withheld
• You are a working holiday maker (417 or 462 visa holder) and your taxable income for the year is less than $37,001.

To lodge an Income Tax return you will need a Tax File Number (TFN). This is a unique number issued to individuals that are used for ID and record keeping purposes and without one you will be at a serious disadvantage. For more information, please head to our blog about Applying for a TFN

Income Tax rates

Deductions you can claim while completing your tax return
When completing your tax return, you’re entitled to claim deductions for some expenses, most of which are directly related to earning your income.

Work-related expenses
To claim a work-related deduction:

• you must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed
• it must directly relate to earning your income
• you must have a record to prove it.

If the expense was for both work and private purposes, you can only claim a deduction for the work-related portion. Work expenses reimbursed to you by your employer are not deductible.

We can seek information from your employer if we think you have claimed a deduction for an expense that you have already been reimbursed for.

You may be able to claim a deduction for expenses that directly relate to your work, including:

Vehicle and travel expenses – including travel between work and home
Clothing, laundry and dry-cleaning expenses
Home office expenses
Mobile phone, internet and home phone expense
Overtime meals
Self-education expenses
Tools, equipment and other equipment
Other work-related deductions.

For more information about what you can claim on your tax return and a 457 Visa or TSS Visa holder go to Tax Tips

Transferring money internationally – to and from Australia

There are a number of ways to transfer money to and from Australia. Some of the most common methods to make international transfers are:

-> International Bank Transfers
->Online Money Transfer Companies
->Western Union Payments
->Paypal

How do I choose the best way to make a transfer?
Each of the transfer methods will have different rates and fees. You can find the rates and fees for your usual bank, western union and PayPal on their websites.

Australia Skilled Migration has partnered with TorFX is to assist you to make free international money transfers, to and from Australia. TorFX are a leading international money transfer specialist who can assist individuals with their currency exchange requirements, providing a significant saving against the major banks. Get a free, no obligation quote on your next international money transfer.

24/7 Transfers
Life is busy, but with the TorFX online service, you can stay in control of your currency transfers 24/7.

Saving you money
TorFX makes connecting currency simple and can help you save a substantial amount on your international currency transfers.

Personal Support
Your personal Account Manager can talk you through the options and ensure you get a better exchange rate for your transfer.

1 – Get a Quote
Secure an exchange rate online or with your own dedicated Account Manager.
2 – Register Online
Customers can open a TorFX account in minutes online or over the phone.
3 – Make a Transfer
Confirm the destination, send TorFX the funds to exchange and relax, they’ll do the rest.

TorFX has been providing excellent foreign exchange for over ten years. Get a free quote for your next money transfer today.

Private health insurance for temporary visa holders

Working Visa health cover
For Graduate 485 visa, TSS 482 visa, Temporary (skilled) 457 visa and other working visa types.
Australian Skilled Migration has been working with IMAN for many years to offer quality health insurance for our clients.

IMAN offers a range of health insurance options to suit any budget.

Why Choose IMAN Health Insurance

There are a number of benefits to taking out an IMAN Australian Health Plan. IMAN is a trusted company that has been providing health cover to overseas workers for over 30 years.

Cover options start from just $16.90 per week for singles and give you peace of mind for the unexpected during your stay in Australia.

All IMAN Australian Health Plans are compliant with the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the 457 Visa application. A letter to accompany your visa application will be provided upon joining.

IMAN Health Insurance Plans include ambulance cover in Australia as well as funeral expenses. Cover is also provided for the cost of returning an individual’s body or ashes to their home country or a medical escort if repatriation is required.

All plans offer cover for hospital in-patient admissions.

Switch to IMAN today

IMAN offers a range of quality products designed especially for working visitors. It’s easy to switch to IMAN from another Australian health insurer.

Three simple steps:
1. Select an IMAN health cover that best suits your needs
2. Apply online or call 1800 22 11 33
Have your former Australian health insurer details handy as you will need to provide these when you apply
3. Provide us with a Clearance Certificate from your previous Australian health fund

English Requirement

If you are planning to apply for a visa that requires you to provide evidence of your english ability, there are a number of acceptable english tests and other evidence which may be accepted. Meeting the English requirement is one of the first steps of the Australian migration process.

There are five levels of english that are relevant to Skilled and Employer Sponsored Visas

Acceptable English Tests
• IELTS Test
• Occupational English Test (OET)
• Pearson Academic Test of English (PTE)
• TOEFL Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
• Cambridge Test of English

Validity of English Tests
English tests will be valid for up to three years after the test date for the purpose of Australian migration. With the exemption of functional english. These tests are required to be conducted within 12 months of the visa application.

Banking in Australia

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account is more straightforward than you might think. Thanks to the high volume of migrants studying and working in Australia, most major Australian banks offer new migrant services to help you make the transition as smooth and simple as possible.

Choose your bank

It is worth taking some time to see which banks suit your needs.

Some banks may have a banking system that is easier to navigate through whilst other banks might offer better services, and one might have better saving plans that may suit your needs.

Ask your colleagues, friends and family to share their views on their bank of choice and if they would recommend it and why.

Listed below are the four major banks in Australia:

Commonwealth
ANZ
Westpac
NAB

Australian Skilled Migration has partnered with Commonwealth Bank to help you open your first Australian bank account. You can open your account before you arrive so your account will be ready to use when you land.

Say hello to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia

 There’s a lot to look forward to when you move to Australia. Whether you’re surfing at a sunny beach, enjoying fresh seafood or commuting on a ferry over bright blue waters, every day will be an adventure. We want to make sure you have the confidence to move smoothly and easily, knowing there’s a financial partner on your side. That’s why we’re introducing you to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. They’re known to Aussies as CommBank.

Meet the bank more new arrivals choose

CommBank is Australia’s largest bank. They’ve been helping Australian dreams come true since 1911, and support more people moving to Australia than any other bank.

With a variety of products and services, you can get sorted in no time:

• Find tips on how they can help you call Australia home on their Moving to Australia website.
• Depending on your situation, you may be able to get one-to-one support from a Relationship Manager in their International Premier and Retail Banking team*. They’re here to help you with your Australian banking needs.

CommBank are excited to welcome you to Australia.

Things you should know: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 is a company incorporated in Australia with limited liability and subject to Australian regulation (CommBank). *Relationship management support is available to selected customers moving to Australia who earn an annual income of AUD$100,000 or above. CommBank will need to verify your income and visa to qualify for this service.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you:

• Are aged 14 years and over
• Will arrive in Australia in the next three months or;
• Have arrived in Australia in the past three months
• Are opening the account in your personal name

How to apply

STEP 1: Complete an online application form here

Commbank recommends:

• You have your passport with you when completing this form
• You know the city you will be staying in when you arrive
• You know your entry visa information

STEP 2: Visit your branch

Once you get to Australia, visit your chosen branch to collect your Debit Mastercard. Make sure you bring:

• Your current passport (original document required)
• Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) for each country of foreign tax residency

STEP 3: Download the CommBank app or log on to NetBank

Start banking straight away after your identification check. Download the CommBank app or log on to NetBank to:

• Withdraw money from CommBank ATMs using Cardless Cash
• Shop using the CommBank app to tap and pay, or choose from our range of digital wallets – like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
• Pay friends using just their Australian mobile number

STEP 4: Tax File Number
You will need to order a Tax File Number (TFN) to attach to your bank accounts to avoid being charged additional fees. Having a TFN is not compulsory in order to set up a bank account, however, without one your employer will take 45.6% of your wages in tax and you will be charged the same rate on any interest accrued in your bank accounts.

You can apply for a TFN once you’ve arrived in Australia with a valid visa. Follow our instructions to apply for a TFN here

Apply for a Tax File Number

As a temporary visa holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor, you can apply for your Australian Tax File Number (TFN) after arriving in Australia.

Applying for a tax file number

You can apply for a tax file number online if you meet these three conditions:

• You are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor.
• You are already in Australia.
• Your visa is one of the following:

-> a permanent migrant visa
-> a visa with work rights
-> an overseas student visa
-> a visa allowing you to stay in Australian indefinitely (including New Zealanders automatically granted a visa on arrival).

To apply online you must have a valid passport or relevant travel documents. You should receive your TFN within 28 days by post at the address that you provide while completing your TFN application.

Applying for a TFN should take about 20 minutes. You will be asked to enter personal details, including your passport or travel document number, a postal address in Australia where your TFN can be sent, your legal name and other names you use or have used and contact details for yourself or your preferred contact person.

You can easily apply for a Tax File Number here.

If you already have your TFN but wish to advise the ATO of changes to your details, you can update some details online on the ATO website.

Australian Skilled Migration orders Tax File Numbers on behalf of our clients on the day they arrive in Australia, we can also update your details if they change.

Why do I need a Tax File Number?
If you are opening an Australian bank account or will be earning money in this country you should get a Tax File Number (TFN) as soon as possible.

Although it is not a compulsory requirement, without one your employer must take 46.5% of your wages in tax and you will be charged the same rate on any interest accrued in your bank accounts. Once you arrive in Australia, with a valid visa, you can apply online for a TFN.

Starting a new job
When you start a new job in Australia, your employer will ask you to complete a Tax File Number declaration form, which they will then return to the ATO.

Your employer uses this form to determine how much tax to withhold from your salary. If you aren’t sure which boxes to tick, contact us to find out.

You can check how much your employer will take from your salary on the ATO website – click here